The new kid on the block, CoolSculpting, gives liposuction a run for its money. Although it is not considered a “weight loss” procedure, it does rid your body of fat cells in specific areas.
CoolSculpting is one of the latest cosmetic procedures to hit the market. Also known as cryolypolysis, it is a non-surgical contouring procedure in which a plastic surgeon uses a machine to freeze the fat cells under the skin. The liver naturally disposes of the fat cells once they are frozen and essentially destroyed. The procedure is said to work for both men and women, however, it really depends on your body.
The CoolSculpting brand considers this an ideal treatment for people with stubborn fat, those who have tried dieting and exercise to no avail. Again, it’s a local procedure, so it will only affect the targeted areas, leaving fat cells in any part of the body that is left alone. Body regions where CoolSculpting is considered effective and safe forfreezing fat include thighs, back, flanks, under the armpit, under the chin, abdomen, and the buttocks.
The creators at CoolSculpting consider the procedure to be revolutionary. It’s a fat reduction procedure, like liposuction, which makes it different from weight loss methods. The difference is that, with fat reduction, the number of fat cells in the body decrease. Once the fat cells are frozen, broken down, and destroyed, they no longer exist and are gone for good. Unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting is minimally invasive and requires neither incision nor anesthesia.
Compare this to weight loss procedures (including diet and exercise), which help to shrink fat cells but do not eliminate them completely, it would seem like CoolSculpting would be the answer.
It seems too good to be true, but studies have proven the procedure to work on the right clients. With CoolSculpting being relatively new, being approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2012, the entire scope of risks, side effects, and complications has yet to be realized.
If you’re considering CoolSculpting, it’s important to find an experienced board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to perform the procedure. People who should avoid this procedure include (but are not limited to) pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant, people with reduced circulation, inflammatory skin conditions, people with thin blood or blood-thinning medication, and people with extreme anxiety.
Jasmine is currently a Group Fitness Instructor for Equinox, Everybody Los Angeles, and Sandbox Fitness. Her fitness modalities include, ballet, dance cardio, barre fitness, TRX, treadmill interval training, cardio kickboxing, jump rope, indoor cycling, and metabolic conditioning.